"We
are pleased to see the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission give Xcel Energy
the green light on their proposed acquisition of over 1500 MW of clean,
cost-effective wind energy," said Beth Soholt, Executive Director of Wind
on the Wires. "This unanimous vote by the PUC demonstrates not only
that wind energy is a smart investment for ratepayers, but also that these
projects will provide significant economic benefits throughout our region.

“This
portfolio, which is being driven primarily by the economics of wind energy,
reaffirms Xcel Energy's commitment to providing reliable, affordable clean
energy to their customers."

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About Wind on the Wires

Wind on the Wires is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization based in St. Paul, Minn., that works to advance renewable energy
in the Midwest. Its members are comprised of wind and solar developers,
environmental organizations, tribal representatives, public interest groups,
clean energy advocates, farm groups and businesses providing goods and services
to the wind and solar industries.